September 2026 e-Newsletter
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HSBA President's Message Mark K. Murakami
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I must begin by saying that on behalf of the HSBA, our thoughts and intentions go to the communities on Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, on the West Side of Oʻahu, and elsewhere in the State who were severely affected by Hurricane Lowell, and those who are still affected by Hurricane Lala, and the two Kona Lows that occurred earlier this year. In collaboration with our partners at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi (volunteer link at their website), the HSBA stands ready to help. Damage assessments are still ongoing and clean-up is progressing. We anticipate an increase in calls to the YLD’s Legal Lines program that takes calls for legal assistance between 6 and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays (volunteer link on the HSBA website). Legal needs are being assessed, and we will be reaching out as the situation progresses.
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HSBF President's Message Ilana Waxman
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On behalf of HSBF, I want to wish everyone a happy Constitution Day, observed each year on September 17th, the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Now more than ever, this is an opportunity for those of us who took an oath to uphold that document to pause and reflect on what it asks of us, both as advocates and as citizens.
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YLD President's Message Lauren Watanabe
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The Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”) Mock Trial Committee is in full swing with the 2027 Hawai‘i High School Mock Trial season! With Kylie Takafuji returning alongside me as Co-Chair, we are excited to build off last season’s momentum and continue making improvements. All public and private high schools statewide are invited to apply, and as we expand our reach, we are making every effort to ensure this program is accessible to all students across the state.
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SCD President's Message Harvey Demetrakopoulos
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Our whole state has been dealing with major weather events and their devastating effects on some of our communities. People helping people is what the Aloha Spirit and the Senior Counsel Division is all about.
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Mahalo for attending the 2026 Pau Hana!
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The HSBA and HSBF would like to thank everyone who attended the 2026 Pau Hana. The funds raised will be used to support legal programs in Hawaii. We hope to see you again!
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Visit the HSBF website bellow for more photos of the 2026 Pau Hana!
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Register for the 2026 Bar Convention!
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Bar Convention Week! Learn from experienced panelists of their field while completing your yearly CLE requirements.
Register now and take advantage of discounted rates during the early bird period!
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Are you in need of CLE credits or can't attend a CLE live webcast? Visit our online CLE Webcast Library! There are more than 30 recorded webcasts available for viewing. Purchase webcasts at your convenience!
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Questions? Contact the HSBA Programs Department at (808) 792-7336 or CLE@hsba.org.
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New Admits: HSBA Bar Cards
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Order your Bar Card today! To request an online order, please visit the HSBA website here. For more information, please contact Wendy Manago at wmanago@hsba.org.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
On August 19, the Hawaiʻi Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education welcomed 10 international leaders and three liaisons to Aliʻiōlani Hale as part of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Delegates from across Asia met with Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justices Sabrina S. McKenna and Lisa M. Ginoza for a morning of meaningful conversation at the historic home of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
The Circuit Court of the First Circuit is seeking applicants for Independent Grand Jury Counsel.
To be considered for a one-year appointment from March 2027 to March 2028, please submit a letter indicating your interest and a resume by Friday, December 4, 2026.
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Per Diem Judge Announcements
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Miriah E. Holden was recently reappointed as a Per Diem District Court Judge in the First Circuit. Judge Holden’s new term is effective September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2030.
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Gregory Ferren was recently reappointed as a Per Diem District Court Judge in the First Circuit. Judge Ferren’s new term is effective September 2, 2026, through September 1, 2028.
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Hawai‘i State Judiciary
The District Family Court and the District Court of the First Circuit are accepting applications on a rolling basis from attorneys interested in serving as per diem judges. The application form is posted on the Judiciary website.
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Criminal Division of the First Circuit Court Seeking Attorneys
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The Criminal Division of the First Circuit Court is seeking attorneys interested in serving as court appointed counsel in criminal cases.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Hawai‘i and have experience in litigation and/or criminal practice. Applicants should indicate whether they have a preference of offense classifications for which they would like to be considered.
Attorneys from all islands are welcome to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to: Paul B.K. Wong Criminal Administrative Judge 777 Punchbowl St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: 808-539-4173 Email: 1stdivision.1cc@courts.hawaii.gov
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Looking for Legal Lines Volunteers (Answer Calls From Your Home or Office)
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The Young Lawyers Division is looking for Legal Lines volunteers. Legal Lines is a weekly hotline with services provided by attorney volunteers every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Attorneys provide legal information to the general public. Calls are being answered remotely and will be forwarded to your mobile phone, so you can take calls from your office or home. If you are interested in providing legal information to the public in these trying times, please contact the YLD at yldhawaii@gmail.com.
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Mahalo to the August 2026 Volunteer Attorneys and Firms!
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The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, and bar associations across the state proudly recognize the following firms and attorneys who volunteered at the Honolulu Access to Justice Room and Self-Help Centers during August 2026. Their service helped provide critical legal information and support to self-represented litigants across the islands. Mahalo to each volunteer for helping expand access to justice throughout Hawaiʻi.
Honolulu Access to Justice Room
Dentons US, LLP
Schlack Ito, LLLC
Claire Wong Black
Douglas Codiga
Gillian Kim
James Rooney
Jay Nakasone
Jeremy O'Steen
John Rhee
Kaitlin Wallace
Kaiwi Ching
Michael Johnson
Mike Goodman
Nathan Shimodoi
Nick Kacprowski
Sara Ayabe
Scot Matayoshi
Tatjana Johnson
Wendy Hanakahi
Kaua'i Self-Help Center
Jay Mason
Kyle Dowd
Laura Barzilai
Sean Hartlieb
Maui Self-Help Center
Adrianne N. Heely Caires
David Raatz
Frank Loyd Jr
Joanne Hicks
Kau'i Yamane
Kevin Jenkins
Kristin K Tarnstrom
Leslee Matthews
Magdalena Bajon
Richard A. Priest Jr.
Sam Shnider
Kona Self-Help Center
Carol Kitaoka
Georgette Yaindl
James Biven
Jessica Uchida
Judy howard
Lezlie Kiaha
Liz Geddes
Nicholas Kittleson
Rachel Thompson
Scott Shishido
Hilo Self-Help Center
Alan Komagome
Georgia Berrenberg
Jennifer Zelko
Jessica Uchida
Karly Aoki
Lea Cooper
Mirtha Oliveros
Scott Shishido
Sheena Crail
Mahalo for your service and dedication. To join our growing pro bono network and support access to justice in your community, please contact Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org.
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Advanced Training on Divorce, Custody, and Paternity Law for Pro Bono Attorneys
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Legal Aid offers complimentary, online, on-demand training sessions for pro bono attorneys, covering divorce, custody, and paternity law. These sessions provide a thorough introduction to divorce, custody, and paternity law and procedures, focusing on essential information that volunteers need to assist self-represented litigants at Self-Help Centers or to support pro bono cases. CLE credit is available for participants.
To learn more about accessing these training sessions and pro bono opportunities, please reach out to Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org.
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In-Person & Remote Volunteers Needed for the Honolulu Access to Justice Room
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The Honolulu Access to Justice now offers both remote, and in-person services at the courthouse, and we need your help!
By volunteering, you play a crucial role in bridging the justice gap for self-represented litigants facing legal challenges in landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, debt collection, and other district court matters.
Volunteer Opportunities:
In-Person Shifts: First Wednesday of the month at Honolulu District Court (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)
Remote Shifts: All other Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (11:00 AM- 1:00 PM)
Why Volunteer?
- Flexible 2-hour shifts available
- Comprehensive online training provided (CLE Available)
- Ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared.
- Choose between remote or in-person options to fit your schedule.
- Meaningful pro bono work!
Whether you’re a returning volunteer or new to the program, your participation is vital to ensuring access to justice for our community.
Interested? Have Questions?
Visit their website.
Contact: Tiane Inciong at tiane.inciong@legalaidhawaii.org for more details.
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VLSH Hawai‘i Online Pro Bono
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Hawai‘i Online Pro Bono (HOP) has become a primary, alternative way for people to request assistance with their legal issues. Attorneys can work from home to answer questions. HOP asks for your assistance answering 1 or 2 (or more!) questions on its website. Individuals have questions posted including but not limited to family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant, small claims, and bankruptcy. A few minutes of your time can make a world of difference to Hawai‘i residents in need.
In response to the Maui Fires, a new topic was added to answer basic Maui Disaster Relief questions, in the areas of Private Landlord/ Tenant, Family Law, Collections/Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, and Estate Planning.
A new branch of the existing Hawai‘i Online Pro Bono is specifically for federal legal matters including immigration and veterans issues has launched here.
Please reach out to HOP if you have any questions on how to set up a volunteer attorney account at hopadmin@vlsh.org. Mahalo!
For more information about volunteering see link, Get Involved – Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaiʻi
Or call the Intake Line:
(808) 528-7046
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fax: (808) 524-2147
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If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact us!
Hawaii State Bar Association, 1100 Alakea Street, Suite 1000 , Honolulu, HI 96813
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